Callophrys niphon
Size:
Wingspan is 1 - 1 1/4 inches.
Similar Species:
None in our region.
Habitat:
Areas around young pine saplings, woodland edges, semi-open
to open areas and power line cuts. Always with pines nearby.
Range/Abundance:
Uncommon
in the coastal plain and southeastern piedmont and rare in the mountains.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from early March until early June in a single yet staggered
brood.
Larval Host Plants:
Loblolly Pine Pinus taeda, Virginia Pine P. virginiana,
Shortleaf Pine P. echinata and White Pine P. strobus.
Comments:
These elfins can turn up about anywhere you find young pine trees. A good
way to find them is to walk power line cuts with mowed down pine trees
about waist height in the spring.
The top photo was taken in Franklin Co., NC on April 24, 2002. The second photo was taken in Franklin Co., NC on April 18, 2004. The third photo was taken along Catawba Creek in Botetourt Co., VA on April 24, 2003. The bottom photo was taken in Orange Co., NC on May 15, 2004.
